As Victorian universities swing back into action for 2024, Master Builders Victoria is urging students who completed Year 12 last year and who may not have achieved the ATAR they’d hoped for, to consider a potential career in the building and construction industry, with more than 200 career options on offer.

Master Builders Victoria (MBV) CEO Michaela Lihou says while many students achieved their ATAR targets and qualified to move into studies of their preferred careers, many may have not, and may now be contemplating what to do next.

“One of the biggest challenges for the building and construction industry is our shortage of skilled workers and tradespeople, and there are literally hundreds of job opportunities within our industry ready and willing to take on young people,” she says.

“I think many people only see high-vis and hard hats when they think about our industry, but the breadth of what we do means there are so many non-trade skills required as well, that offer great career paths.”

“From architects and engineers to health and safety managers and contract managers, digital engineers and building surveyors, right through to people on the tools like carpenters, electricians, painters, plasterers,  brick laying, cabinet making, plant operators, demolition workers, and landscape construction  - to name just a few – there’s an extraordinary and incredibly varied number of more than two hundred job options across our industry!”

Ms Lihou says the industry is also keen to encourage mature-age entrants into the industry, stressing that people can move into the building and construction sector from a broad variety of former career paths.

Skye Jeschonek-Pride – now 32 years old - was working in real estate, before she decided to pursue a career as a carpentry apprentice and last year was named one of the State Apprentices of the Year.

“I’d been working in real estate before I travelled to Canada and lived there for two years and eventually found myself working as a snowcat operator on the ski fields,” she says.

“My Dad, brother and grandfather have all been involved in building and when I came back to Australia, the thought of real estate just didn’t excite me. So at 26 years old, I signed up for a carpentry apprenticeship and really love it!”

Ms Lihou says women currently only make up 2.5 per cent of the Victorian building and construction workforce, with more slowly appreciating the opportunies available and achieving great success on and off the work site.

“There are so many exciting opportunities in our industry if only we had the people to help us make it happen,” she says.

“We’re really urging any young person contemplating their future – or anyone looking for a potential change of career - to at least consider the building and construction industry. They may be surprised at what they find!”

Master Builders Victoria CEO Michaela Lihou is available for comment. 

Media enquiries: Leigh McClusky 0411 711 780 [email protected]